Dewey for young readers

Yesterday a book crossed my desk that would be a nice read for elementary and middle schoolers this summer: a middle grade version of Dewey the Library Cat by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter.

As many of you already know, Dewey Readmore Books was an orange tabby cat who lived in the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa. When library director Myron told his story in Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, the book sold for a reported $1.25 million and became a #1 New York Times Bestseller.

The middle grade version, which came out a few weeks ago, tells Dewey's now familiar tale and includes some adorable pictures. For the youngest readers, there are also a couple picture books available (such as Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!).

Adults who fell in love with Dewey will be happy to hear that Myron has a new book coming out on Oct. 12—Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions.

Also, kid versions of adult books are nothing new—everyone from Glenn Beck (The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book) to Al Gore (Our Choice: How We Can Solve the Climate Crisis, Young Reader’s Edition) to Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea : One Man's Journey to Change the World... One Child at a Time) seems to be doing it. Have parents/teachers/librarians found any such adaptation to be a notable hit with kids?